Vaginas are truly works of art; so much so they even tie-dye our underwear! Jokes apart, have you ever sat down to pee and notice your brand new, nearly never worn underwear is already stained orangish in colour and wondered how or why?
This orange patch is actually normal and a sign of a healthy vagina. We at TC46 are here to give you some clarity about the same with the help of Dr Sushma Tomar, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai. Here she talks about some common myths about bleached panties, ways to remove the stains and how to prevent discolouration.
1. Why are there ‘bleached’ patches on one’s underwear, and what does it indicate?
Bleached patches on underwear are normal, especially when you are wearing dark panties. This is a good sign that your vagina is healthy. The primary reason for the same is the acidic nature of the vagina; its average pH value is somewhere between 3.8 and 4.5. Thus, when the vaginal discharge is washed away from the underwear, the orange patch is left behind. The discharge is also dependent on factors such as the sex life of the individual, fluctuating hormones and more.
2. What are some common myths about panties getting bleached orange?
Some common myths around underwear getting bleached are:
- The discharge is a sign of bad hygiene or dirtiness
- It has stemmed from a vaginal infection
However, this is false. The bleached effect is a result of the acidic nature of the vagina as mentioned above.
3. What are some remedies to remove bleach stains from one’s underwear?
Some remedies to remove panty bleach stains are:
- Wash and rinse the underwear properly to prevent oxidation and to avoid the stain.
- You may use Lemon juice or Hydrogen Peroxide on light fabrics.
- Use salt and rub it on the stain, allow it to sit for a while before rinsing it off.
- Use an enzymatic spray (as the vaginal discharge contains proteins) which will help remove the stain in an easier manner.
- Using baking soda might also help to remove the stains from one’s underwear.
4. Can anything be done to stop this bleaching?
No, nothing can be done to stop the bleaching because it is a natural process. The fact that the vagina is acidic because of Lactobacilli does not change. In fact, the acidic nature of the vagina serves as protection from fungal and bacterial infections.
If it bothers you too much, wear light-coloured panties to have less-dark stains.
5. How can one prevent discolouration of underwear?
As mentioned above discolouration of underwear can be prevented by the following:
- Wash the underwear immediately and don’t leave it for washing the next day.
- You can wear panty liners to prevent the stain.
- Soak your underwear in cold water for a few hours and then wash; hot water allows the stain to settle.
6. How can one know when a discharge is normal or not?
Remember, the normal vaginal discharge is milky and does not have an unpleasant smell; it is subtle. In case there is an infection lookout for these signs:
- The discharge will have a foul smell and be greenish/yellow/brown/bloody.
- Curdy and thick in texture.
- Itchy, burning sensation in the vagina.
- Frequency of urine increases.
- It will burn while you urinate.
7. When should one be worried and visit a doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms of infection, visit the doctor immediately. Or, if you are uncomfortable in any way, seek consultation to have clarity.
TC46’s Guide On Vaginal Discharge
Everybody’s unique, so know what’s typical for yourself and check for any changes. On the off chance that discharge turns out to be thick and uneven, similar to curds, talk with a clinical expert as this could be one more indication of disease.
The vagina is a clever organ and is highly advanced when it comes to taking care of it for you. One need not worry too much about discharges and spots, unless they seem out of the normal. And trust us, you’re not alone, there are millions of other women googling the same concerns about their vagina.
Read Here: TC46’s Guide On Vaginal Discharge.
